Renovation work on the Barbatos family mansion was going fairly well.

In the meantime, the damages caused by the battle inn the military district had gradually recovered. All the research facilities that were damaged during that crazy night had been restored back, except for those previously operated by the Burixes.

That diabolic research facility would be demolished after Eris and the white knights did a thorough investigation. The glass container with Rafals mother in it was removed. Her body was handled carefully, and would be buried in the cemetery managed by the kingdom.

I, once again, visited the facility where I saw Rafals mother to see what the Burixes were up to. I only saw that one room during the fight that night. There should be another rooms on that facility.

One room belonged to the man who was once Rafals father. It was apparent how evil he was judging from the many things were scattered around the room, and it only made me nauseous.

Then, I found the room that Rafal seemed to be using on another floor. It was ironically situated right above where his mother was preserved.

There was a picture of young Rafal laughing alongside his mother resting on the wall. The research materials on Gallia technology were stashed neatly on the bookshelf. Its easy to see that he went here nearly everyday to do some researches.

The white knights had seized those documents though, and what left was a diary written by Rafal himself from his youth.

I looked through it, out of some random impulses, but then I was shocked by its content.

[Rafal..you are..dammit.]

Its because after reading this book that it dawned on me why Rafal had become so distorted.

At first he always wrote about the happy days with his mother, but stopped one day. The next entry was filled with sadness. Perhaps, thats the day when his mother passed away.

However, the young Rafal was told a lie by his father, that his mother died from an epidemic disease, when his father had actually murdered her. Rafal was also told that hes not allowed to see his mother, fearing the disease might be transmitted to him.

There was no way hed be allowed to see her. After all, his father had put her inside the glass container.

And one day, when Rafal was just twelve years old, he followed his father who had been suspiciously keep bringing back young women. And there, he saw a young woman, recently murdered, being put into the glass container by his father who seemingly enjoyed it immensely.

There were many women kept in that room. And among them, he found her. He found the beautiful mother whom he loved very much so when he was younger.

I stopped reading right there. The rest of the content seemed to be a mess of scribbles.

After returning the book to the bookshelf, I decided to head back to the mansion.

This place would soon be demolished after the bodies of the women had been removed.

The following day, I received an invitation from Roxy, asking me to give her a visit.

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, then as per my habit, looked into my own reflection on the mirror.

[Yosh]

As the head of Barbatos family, I shouldnt do anything embarrassing. I quickly changed my clothes.

And then, I grabbed hold of the black sword who was leaning on the wall.

Ho, you seem quite chipper today

[Of course. Its an important day.]

Hahaha, you start the day with a sunny face for once. Youve always had that gloomy look on your face before.

[Shut up]

Well, I suppose its all thanks to that girl. But, is this alright? The Gluttony skill will definitely target her

[I know. But even so, I just couldnt keep lying anymore.]

I seein that case, just do as Fate wishes

[Well then, shall we?]

I had told Roxy about the Gluttony skill. Even so, she still willingly accepted me.

Then it dawned on me, that I was the one who got scared, which caused me to do stupid things as a result.

Perhaps, Im already tired of walking on my own, and I felt like I could see a different path when Im together with Roxy.

[ I, for once, want to be able to live comfortably, just like Greed for instance.]

You want to become a sword just like this me?

[No way!?]

Just as usual, whats with him replying with lazy answer like [Im just a weapon after all] kind of answer!? I wondered when he would stop that habit.

Oi, shouldnt you be hurrying up since Aaron is waiting for you? That old man always wakes up early in the morning.

[Thats right]

I left my room and headed downstairs to the mansions main hall. Aaron was already waiting for me there. .

[Pardon me. Im a bit late.]

[Nono, I didnt wait for too long anyways. Right, the treatment for the Burix family has been decided.]

[And what will that be?]

[Their title as holy knights, as well as their properties will be forfeited. Everything. Im thinking of taking care of Mimir to help her cope with the aftermath.]

[Eh, you are going to adopt her!?]

That means, shell become my sister. This is somewhat surprising.

Aaron shook his head with a smile.

[But I couldnt. I cannot just adopt anyone who cannot be regarded as a holy knight anymore.]

[Then, how do you plan to take care of her?]

[There are shortage of manpower on this mansion. Im thinking, to employ her..as a maid.]

[Eeee, I just cant imagine Mimir working hard as a maid.]

[You wont know without trying. That girl needs to reflect on her past deeds. And with me as an overseer, I wish to guide her on her path of rehabilitation.]

Mimir as Barbatos family maid, huh?

The girl in my memory, was the one who would step on my cheek while I was sprawled on the floor, saying [This insect] during my gatekeeper days.

If she became a maid, when Im still asleep, would she wake me up by calling me [Wake up, you insect!] just like she did in the past? If thats the case..then shed be a really ridiculous maid.

[Is there a room for reconsideration?]

[There is no need. Relax, shes a good girl now. What makes Fate worry about this matter?]

[Like, when Im sleeping, would she wake me up by stepping on my head?]

[What is that!? Is that some sort of hobby for Fate?]

[Pardon me, Im just rambling. Please forget what I said just now.]

Mimir would come to the mansion tomorrow. With Myne gone, she might be a good addition since there were only two males living on this mansion..

Hopefully the mansion would become a bit more lively.

Aaron had considered Myne as his own daughter, so he was quite shocked upon learning that she was gone. He was speechless. For one of the people he cared about had left.

Well, I guess I should just accept Mimir already. After all, I was the one who killed both of her brothers Rafal and Hado. As for her, I guess she had her own reason to willingly come here.

Still, if shes going to work as a maid in Barbatos mansion, then I need to keep an eye for her properly as her master.

[Ill be looking forward for Mimirs arrival here.]

[Well said, Fate. Now then, shall we go?]

[Yeah]

When I opened the mansions door, I saw a girl already waiting for us outside the gate.

Her face resembled Roxy, and she had an amicable air around her.

Without much thought, I rushed to ask her.

[Why, did Aisha-sama..come here?]

[Is there something wrong? Now that Im healthy, Ive to visit the Kingdom after a long absence]

[A visit!?]

[Actually..I only arrived here just now. So my daughter doesnt know that Im here.]

[You came here, yet kept it a secret!?]

[Yes. Roxy will be really surprised. Actually she doesnt know yet that I have recovered from my sickness. I planned to meet and tell her directly.]

[Ooohhh..]

First it was Mimir, now its Aisha-sama apparently, shes here to give a surprise to her daughter Roxy

Naughty thoughts bloomed inside my head, which made me enthusiastic.

Leaving me alone to my own thought, Aisha-sama greeted Aaron..

[If it isnt Aaron-sama! Its been ten years!]

[Aisha, is it? You are still as beautiful as before.]

[Mou, Aaron-sama is also still good at sweet talking.]

Aisha-sama was delighted, and for some reason she hard tapped my shoulder repeatedly. Shes really energetic Thats good. U~n, maybe a bit too energetic.

And so, as the time for Roxys invitation came near, Roxy surprise surprise plan (by the name of Aisha-sama) was about to unfold.

=====